Getting Started Teaching an Online Course

The idea of teaching an online course can be daunting, even for experienced classroom instructors. This online resource is designed to provide helpful tips and techniques that will assist new and continuing online instructors in creating an effective learning experience. online success.jpg

Here are some of the ways in which an online teaching experience may be different:

Technical skills:

With new course management systems, the technical requirements for an online teacher are pretty simple. If you have the ability to access the Internet, to open and save files, to attach a photo to an e-mail, and to use web conferencing tools (such as a web cam, or to Skype), you probably have the technical skills needed to be an effective online instructor.

Teaching skills:

Teaching online will use many of the skills that are effective in the “live” classroom. The primary difference is the online instructor will not be able to “see” the students as they would in a face-to-face class. One of the key differences is the ability to “read” the body language or unspoken cues given by students. Another key difference is that most of the interaction between the instructor and the class members, or between students, will be in written form. The modules in this online course provide specific tips on effective facilitation of online learning.

Student participation:

Unlike the physical classroom, most of the learning in an online class will not be limited by time or space. This means that in a class discussion in the online class, all students will be expected to participate, not just the few who raise their hands first. Additionally, the expectations in an online discussion may be greater, as students have time to formulate rich responses, and even cite resources or link to relevant supporting material.